Duffy, I bought a spare one here...even better price:

http://www.amazon.com/CTEK-56-158-Multi-Battery-Charger/dp/B000FQBWCY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1259444980&sr= 8-1

 

Obviously depending on conditions, but how long should it take (max) to fully charge the battery (i.e. the charger shuts off)? I've had mine on since last night and the charging light is still on. Battery isn't dead as I just drove the car yesterday, but I have had the car sit for weeks at a time without a tender.

 

I bought the Porsche trickle charger shortly after I bought my 08 Turbo as the battery would go dead in 2 weeks of no driving. I now keep it plugged in all the time during the winter. Some of the indicator lights have failed on the charger but it still works. As long as you use a charger that shuts off when a full charge is reached there should be no issues with overcharging or fire hazard.

 

You may want to take a look at the 996TT/GT2 forum...I think Paulie had some issues.

 

For the lazy...

 

I use mine quite a bit over the winter months - bought it from the Porsche dealer and states made in Germany.

And for those who love to add up the power numbers, it adds an extra 15BHP and 12lbs of TQ!.
K.

 

And for those who love to add up the power numbers, it adds an extra 15BHP and 12lbs of TQ!.
K.[/quote]

That's one hell of a charger!

 

I have ALWAYS used them on Harleys. Works like a charm. The BMW trickle charger will work- the key is to plug it into a "hot" cigarette lighter jack, one that stays hot with ignition off.
The Battery Tender brand charger with the cigarette lighter adapter is the same as the Porsche charger but half the price.
I use the Porsche trickle charger on my 09 C2. I use the car only on weekends. When I first plugged the charger in-the red light stayed on for several days (remember it is a trickle charger, very slow).and went out, Now if I am detailing the car or take it out for a short drive and plug the charger in; the red light may come on for a few minutes or a half hour at most. I do remember thinking something was wrong with the charger on the first plug in because it took a few days (maye 3-5) for the red light to go out.
IMHO, cars like these with their high demands on battery with their sophisticated computer systems almost REQUIRE the trickle charger.

Also, you will notice, short drives and even moderate ones do not charge the batteries sufficiently-the trickle charger will turn red for a short time just to get the battery to maximum power. The battery level will always be high and therefore the life of your battery will be greatly extended.
An absolute must for the occassional driver and highly recommended even for the weekend warrior. Let the charger work while you sleep! I have a perfect setup, my homes garage has an AC outlet directly adjacent to the passenger side door and I run the charger wire(it is way sufficient on the Porsche charger-about 20 feet) under the passenger door right to the outlet.

 

it looks like this will do the job as well for less than $30

http://www.autobarn.net/vec080.html

 

amazon has the ctek for $53 delivered.

 

I use the Ctek 7002 which is best if you use Optima or other AGM/Gel type batteries. Otherwise the Ctel 3300 is very good.

 

I use the Porsche charger on every car I own. I even use it on my motorcycles. I swear by them. They only work in other cars if the lighter stays powered when the key is off. If not you can use an adapter that has aligator clips on it and wire it directly to the battery. Worth every penny you pay for them. (even if you pay full retail)

 

I have mine hooked directly up to the battery.

Which is the right cigarette lighter to use, the one in the console?

 

The one in the ashtray console.

 

I recently ordered from suncoast. Cool guys over there.